This hotel is conveniently located along Interstate 57, just six miles from the Crab Orchard Lake and Wildlife Refuge. Offers free breakfast, free wireless internet, free local and long distant calls, 24 hour free coffee in the lobby. Also an exercise room, sauna, and hot tub, and indoor heated pool.

Famous for generous portions and smoked items such as ribs, ham, and pulled pork. Other specialties include fried fish, mouth-watering steaks, fried chicken on Sundays, and excellent value with our daily specials! Looking for healthy alternatives? Try fresh salads, lemon pepper tilapia, or marinated, grilled chicken strips. The children's menu provides several options for children ages 12 and under. Be sure to try one of our unique appetizers, such as Barbeque Nachos, Fried Green Beans, or Fried Pickles.

Located on 140 private acres nestled in ancient bluffs, loaded with wildlife, peace and quiet and everything at your fingertips! We provide everything you and your guests need for a wonderful getaway! The kitchen is fully equipped with all manner of cooking needs, along with a backyard BBQ, all you need is your provisions to whip up a meal to be enjoyed in this wonderful home!
The great room has floor to ceiling windows to take in the breathtaking views that span for 40 + miles to Kentucky! It features a flat screen tv and blue ray dvd player along with a cozy gas fireplace for your enjoyment...Also located on the main floor is a laundry room and half bath.
Upstairs you will find a log style King Bed Master Suite. There is a walk in closet and a 4 piece Master Bath that rivals any Spa. The walk in shower has body sprays and the jacuzzi tub has a multitude of jets to enjoy while gazing out the window in the tree line! There is a private balcony off the bedroom to take in the views of the bluffs.
Downstairs, the walkout basement offers another living area complete with a flat screen tv/dvd player. There is another full bathroom and two more bedrooms, one with a King bed and flat screen tv/dvd player and another full size bedroom. The patio off the living room provides ample shade in the Summer and again you have spectacular long range views of the area!
Outback you can relax on the deck while BBQ'ing or watching the kids on the playset. There is ample parking for you and your guests.
Rock Ridge also offers guided repelling and climbing, there is a fully stocked pond, and plenty of room to roam around and explore the property!

Get free high speed internet access at this Fairfield Inn. We are always ready to exceed expectations, while offering a room at a great price. Offers indoor pool and whirlpool, 24 hour fax and copy service, free local calls, continental breakfast, and free on-site parking.

Picnic celebration with live music and a parade. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to Fort Massac State Park to enjoy live music and entertainment. An all day outdoor cookout featuring hamburgers, hotdogs, and more.

If there's one thing the Neighborhood Co-op is known for, it's good food. Between the grocery store and the deli area, this one-stop-shop has everything you need for the perfect meal. Enjoy the fresh taste of locally grown produce, shop the work of Carbondale's thriving art scene, and feast on a hearty sandwich, made with all-organic products.

Marion's newest hotel, the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, is conveniently located off I-57 and IL Route 13 adjacent to Rent One Park. The hotel location is minutes away from the Williamson County Regional Airport (MWA) and within 15 minutes of Southern Illinois University. Leisure travelers can explore the local culture with area wineries, Marion Civic Center, The Pavilion of the City of Marion & the Illinois Star Centre Mall. Catch a Minor League Baseball game at Rent One Park, home of the Southern Illinois Miners! As a hotel guest in Marion, Illinois, you have access to modern amenities such as wired and wireless Internet access, refrigerators and microwaves, hot breakfast and a 24 hour business center. After work or play, our indoor heated pool (open in July) and fitness center are a great way to unwind.

What’s summer in Southern Illinois without festivities! Join Alto Vineyards in celebrating the summer with music, food and canine friends. Local art and wines; along with food and games, to support local animal shelters. From noon to 7pm

We offer an alcohol-free, family environment with speedy service and positive attitudes. Children and adults of all ages enjoy our large-scale model train display that is suspended from above and in full operation while they dine. So come in and enjoy some of the best homemade Pizza and Pasta dishes found in the area. Be sure to try our famous Double Decker Pizza & award-winning Italian beef subs and salads.

Located on the Historic Square in uptown Carlyle. It features upscale casual dining for lunch and dinner with a full-service menu, weekend breakfast and a large inventory of liquor and wine. Menu items include: Steak, Chicken, Seafood, Pork, Pastas, Salads, Soups, Pizza, Appetizers and Desserts. The LuBar & Bistro is family operated.

The Frosty Mug Bar & Grill is a great place to bring the whole family for lunch or dinner. Located in Mt Vernon, IL, the Frosty is a restaurant and bar with daily lunch specials at affordable prices. Stop in for a great meal served by a friendly staff and see what you've been missing!

Family style dining, carry out, and delivery. Gourmet pizza, pasta, soups, salads and desserts. Also offers a lunch buffet. Buffet is free for kids under 5, ages 5-12 eat for $4.99. Open Monday 11am-1:30pm and reopen at 4. Open Thurs 11am-8:30pm. Open Friday 11am-9:30pm and Saturday 4pm-9:30pm. Closed on Sundays.

The family has enjoyed smoking meats for almost 50 years, dating back to Grandpa Cliff's Big Chief Smoker, back by the garage on the east end of Carlyle. In the tradition of the old days, they take the highest quality meats and slow smoke them with a blend of hickory, cherry, and apple woods. This process produces a reddish pink tint in the meat found only in authentic BBQ.

A gift shop that brings out the kid in you. Specializing in hand crafted gifts, doll clothes and doll accessories, inspirational signs and country decor. Doll clothes to fit the 18 inch and 14-15 inch dolls, like American Girl dolls. You can also stuff your own plush animal. Birthday parties are available.

The Miss Illinois Scholarship Association is a duly-accredited state preliminary scholarship association in the Miss America Organization - the world’s largest provider of scholarship and cash assistance to young women. For four nights, the Marion Cultural and Civic Center will host preliminaries, Outstanding Teen and Pre-Teen pageants, and overall finals.

L’ecole du Soldat or School of the Soldier will be held for French troops at Fort Massac State Park, Metropolis, IL. French and Indian War period living historians from throughout the Midwest will attend this two day training session. You will see the Marines and the milice as they learn the weapons drills, marching, and tactical maneuvers of the French military in the 1750’s.

Brand new log cabins in the Shawnee National Forest. Closest cabins to the popular Garden of the Gods hike and just a short drive to many more. One and Two Bedroom cabins available all year. Hot tubs, Fireplaces, DirecTV, FiberOptic High-speed internet, fully furnished, with fire pits, free firewood, and charcoal grills. All cabins have full kitchens, towels, linens and all amenities; just bring your food and fun! Located at 745 Garden of the Gods Rd, Herod, IL. Please visit our website for more information and availability

This 45th Annual event is one of the most significant southern Gospel singing events in the state of Illinois. Many quartets, duets, and even soloists showcase their talents each year over three days at the Marion Cultural and Civic Center. The Nehrkorns are the host trio for the 2014 year.

For more than 50 years Italian Village Pizza & Pasta has been a social gathering place for great food and fun in Carbondale. Thousands of locals, Salukis and area visitors have provided their autographs and notable memories on the walls of their main dining rooms. Enjoy delicious pizza, complimentary ice cream, and a full salad bar, all in the presence of good company!

Situated in one of downtown Carbondale's oldest buildings, Cristaudo's Cafe and Bakery is definitely worth a stop! Treat your taste buds to the sweet flavor of their famous sugar cookies, or enjoy a delicious sandwich during lunch. And, if you give them enough notice, Cristaudo's will prepare vegan and gluten-free baked goods to your liking!

Marion proudly presents a parade to honor all Southern Illinois veterans. Over 17 bands will march & perform (awards to be given) plus floats and over 1000 veterans from all branches of service will ride or march. Entertainment and food at Fairgrounds. The annual Veterans on Parade is being held to honor all the men and women veterans throughout Southern Illinois, who have ever served our country in both war and peacetime. For more information contact Ed Davis at 618.993.3379 or email etdvita1@mchsi.com

Enjoy a scenic ride or walk along this new concrete trail inside Fort Massac State Park. Use of the bicycle and pedestian path is free, and parking is located inside Fort Massac State Park. Upon its completion, the 9 mile trail will begin at Superman Square, continue through Fort Massac State Park, and end in the city of Brookport.

Through its delicious crepes, refreshing tea and unique atmosphere, Blend has made a name for itself as Carbondale's favorite hangout. Conveniently located close to the SIU Campus, Blend is the perfect spot for a quick lunch or long study session. With its sweet (or savory crepes) and a large selection of customizable drinks, perfect for everyone!

The Southern Illinois Steel Guitar Show is an annual event put on by Southern Illinois Productions, a Not-for-Profit Organization. The show features some of the best steel guitar players in the world as well as amateur players. Come to the next show and mingle with your favorite steel guitar players.

Garrison for the Massiac Marines on Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM in the fort at Fort Massac State Park, Metropolis. The French and Indian War period living historians will present displays and interpretive programs on 18th century Taverne Life and brewing. Many homes would have had their own brewing house, so come and see how they did the brewing. Also, you will learn more about how taverns were the center of news and entertainment.

Garrison for the Massiac Marines on Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM in the fort at Fort Massac State Park, Metropolis. The French and Indian War period living historians will present displays and interpretive programs on celebrating the harvest. At this time of plenty, you will learn about the foods of the period, recipes they used, spices, and how they cooked their food over the fire.

The statue acknowledges Noel's contributions to the Superman Celebration as the "First Lady of Metropolis" and her portrayal of Lois Lane in the Serials and the TV series of the 1950s, "The Adventures of Superman" with an honorable and permanent gesture of love from the citizens of Metropolis and from her countless fans around the world.

El Greco is a greasy spoon — said in the BEST way. This delicious joint makes some of the best gyros around. Locally-owned and operated, El Greco has become a staple in downtown Carbondale. Don't forget to try the fried mushrooms!

Located in the heart of Carbondale's Town Square, Mo Wallace is one of the most beloved hole-in-the-wall stops in Southern Illinois. Feast on the mouth-watering selection of soul food and finger-lickin' barbecue, and enjoy the company of the friendly staff. This truly is one of Carbondale's culinary gems!

Join Master Naturalist Anne Parmley on a birding walk at Cache River State Natural Area, Michael Wolff Memorial Wetland. Binoculars are recommended.
Meet at Marshall Ridge Access, located ¾ of a mile north of the Cache River State Natural Area headquarters, 930 Sunflower Lane, Belknap, IL. 9am to 11am.

Chicago Style Pizza at its best. Even though you are 6 hours away from Chicago you will feel like you are on the streets of the Windy City every time you bite into one of the handmade pizzas at Cubby Bears. A pizza buffet makes it easy to sample all that Cubby's has to offer. Sandwiches and pasta also available. 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Daily

Located two blocks from Harrah's Fat Edd's Roadhouse offers a variety of foods and drinks. Many appetizers such as peel-n-eat shrimp and great food choices from salads to Roadhouse platters. They also offer a full bar. Open daily 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Located just off the interstate at Exit 59 in Johnston City, IL, this primitive store specializes in distressed and refurbished furniture. You will also find a unique selection of pictures, LED candles, Lanterns and more.

The Massiac Marines will host a weekend for French and Indian War period living historians from all over the nation to begin the campaign season. As in the 1750’s these modern day warriors wait until the weather is right to begin battling. Mock battles and tactical operations.

Visit this Metropolis icon for barbecue done the old fashion way! In business since 1965 and located just 2 blocks from Ft. Massac State Park, you will enjoy some of the best breakfast sandwiches and BBQ in town! Open 4:00 am - 4:00 pm Tuesday - Saturday.

At Cakes by Ally each cupcake flavor has its own signature design and name. In addition, each order is made unique and perfectly fit to please the customer. Ally provides custom cakes (from wedding to birthday), cupcakes, brownies, cheesecakes, and much more. Cakes by Ally specializes in fondant decor and butter cream icing.

The Veterans Museum Depot is a restored C&I railroad depot that is filled with memorabilia from the Civil War to Desert Storm. It has uniforms of all branches of service, a purple heart, horse saddles from World War I, insignia's & patches, gas masks, a World War II communication system and many other items on display. Many young boys of the Rend Lake area left from this very depot to go to war. On the West Frankfort Main Street just 10 miles south of Rend Lake.

Creations is a full service florist carrying a large selection of green and seasonal blooming plants, gift items, candles, snack and fruit baskets. Fresh cut and silk floral arrangements are available as well as the specialty of custom and theme designed arrangements. Creations is ready for all occasions and holidays. 8:30AM – 5PM Monday – Friday, 8:30AM – Noon Saturday

Black Vultures and turkey vultures fly and swoop in the skies surrounding Makanda each fall. Local residents await their return each fall as an end to the hot summer and the beginning of cooler fall weather. This event is a celebration of the Vulture’s annual migration with live music and displays by local artists for purchase. Come join the celebration and see this awesome unique event as these birds return.

Crappie USA will hold one of the 2015 Super Tournaments on Lake of Egypt in Marion, IL. This will be a guaranteed payout of $10,000 and prizes. The tournament starts at 6:30am and will run until 3pm with a weigh-in at 4pm.

Garrison for the Massiac Marines on Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM in the fort at Fort Massac State Park, Metropolis. The French and Indian War period living historians will present displays and interpretive programs on mending, cleaning, and fixing at the French fort. Come see how muskets were cleaned and maintained, tools repaired, clothes mended, and things were fixed or used in a new way.

Only 10 miles south of Rend Lake, the former two story brick Logan School is now a museum featuring area mining history, memorabilia from 1802-1976, a genealogy library, and the Red Geranium Tea Room that serves homemade lunch.